Vinventions Printing chooses Amsky Aurora T1200

Vinventions Printing, based in Pozzolo Formigaro, specialises in lithography on both aluminium and tinplate and is part of the Vinventions Group, a global leader in closures for wine, spirits and olive oil. The company operates in a highly competitive market, where precision, reliability and print quality are key factors in ensuring both technical performance and the perceived value of the final product.

Vinventions Printing had been using a CTP system (Kodak Trendsetter) installed several years ago. While it had ensured production continuity for a long time, the technology had become outdated compared to current standards. Plate loading was manual and required the constant presence of a dedicated operator, significantly impacting workflow organisation.

Over time, increasingly evident issues emerged. Production speed was no longer aligned with market demands, reliance on manual intervention limited overall efficiency, and the machine’s obsolescence exposed the company to downtime risks, also due to the growing difficulty in sourcing spare parts.

The company needed a faster, more efficient and truly productive solution, capable of optimising prepress processes, reducing operating costs, improving environmental sustainability, and ensuring long-term continuity and reliability.

The AMSKY-GMDE proposal addressed these needs with the installation of the Amsky Aurora T1200 CTP system, combining technological innovation, reliability and operational continuity.

However, this was not a standalone intervention, but the natural evolution of an already established path. At an earlier stage, GMDE had introduced a Hybrid workflow, which resolved several file management issues, streamlined operational flows and significantly reduced the workload of internal resources. This optimisation represented the first step towards a more modern and efficient system, strengthening trust in GMDE as a technology partner and paving the way for the CTP replacement.

The adoption of the Aurora T1200 was therefore a strategic decision aligned with this transformation journey. The maximum format of 1470 × 1180 mm allows for flexible production management, while the external drum design ensures extremely accurate registration and high mechanical stability—essential for aluminium printing.

The 830 nm discrete laser technology, with a 64-channel exposure system, guarantees consistent quality and repeatability over time. Productivity has also improved significantly, with the installed configuration reaching speeds of up to 16 plates per hour, enabling more stable and predictable production planning.

A key factor was the introduction of the SAT 1200 automatic loader. Eliminating manual loading increased operational autonomy and reduced direct operator intervention, making the process smoother and more efficient. The system integrates seamlessly with workflows via a 1-bit TIFF downloading interface, ensuring structured job queue management and a perfect connection between digital and offset production.

The project followed a structured path, starting with the introduction of the Hybrid workflow and developed step by step in close collaboration with the Vinventions Printing team.

An initial phase involved an in-depth technical analysis of production requirements, focusing on volumes, plate formats (1095 × 1280 mm and 1040 × 1160 mm), and the specific characteristics of aluminium printing. The most suitable configuration was then defined based on the company’s actual operational needs.

The installation of the CTP system and automatic loader was carefully planned to ensure production continuity and a smooth transition from the previous system.

At the same time, staff were supported through dedicated training to ensure full autonomy from the early stages of use. The start-up phase included performance monitoring, with targeted checks to ensure the machine delivered its full potential from the outset.

Throughout the process, GMDE provided consistent support and timely interventions, confirming its role as a reliable partner not only during installation but also in post go-live support.

Just a few months after implementation, the benefits are already tangible and measurable:

• Reduction in operating costs
  Just a few months after go-live, the benefits have been tangible and measurable.
• Consistent plate quality
  The stability of the external drum and the precision of the 830 nm system ensure uniform and repeatable imaging, essential for printing on metal substrates.
• Greater operational autonomy
  The SAT 1200 loader allows up to 90 plates to be loaded, reducing the need for continuous operator intervention.
• Increased production
  Higher exposure speed and reduced downtime have improved overall production capacity.
• Guaranteed operational continuity
  A speed of 16 plates per hour enables more stable and predictable planning.
• Remote and on-site technical support
  Integrated technologies allow remote assistance, with fast response times and reduced downtime, as well as the prompt supply of any required spare parts.
• Continued use of the same plates
  The ability to keep using the same plates has avoided changes to procurement processes.
   

   

The adoption of the Amsky Aurora T1200 CTP system with GMDE represents a concrete step forward for Vinventions Printing towards a more modern, automated and efficient prepress environment.

This was not simply the replacement of an outdated machine, but a true strategic upgrade of the production department. The investment has also delivered sustainability benefits: improved energy efficiency, reduced waste and optimised exposure times contribute to a more responsible process.

Thanks to the synergy between AMSKY and GMDE, Vinventions Printing has turned a need for renewal into an opportunity for growth and optimisation, strengthening its production capacity and enhancing its competitiveness in the wine sector.